Tuesday, September 7, 2010

When in Rome, Do Something FORBIDDEN!

by Anna Campbell

I first had the great pleasure of meeting today's guest, Christina Phillips, at the Romance Novelists' Association Conference in Leicester in the U.K. in 2004. We were the lone Aussies (well, Christina was born in the U.K. but currently lives in beautiful Perth, Western Australia) and immediately formed a bond. We've stayed in touch since, although sadly because Perth is on the other side of a huge continent, we haven't actually met up again until this year at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Sydney. When I was so happy to give Christina a big hug and congratulate her on her fabulous debut sale to Berkley.

I've read Christina's FORBIDDEN, a very hot and emotionall complex tale of the love between a Roman commander and a Druid Priestess in Roman-occupied Britain. Nothing like a couple of small impediments in the way of a couple's happiness, snork! It's fantastic and I highly recommend it!

Welcome, Christina! As you know, I was utterly blown away by your debut historical romance for Berkley, FORBIDDEN. Congratulations! Can you tell us a little about this story?

Thanks, Anna! I was so happy you enjoyed FORBIDDEN!

The story is set in AD 50 Britannia. My heroine, Carys, is a Druid princess and acolyte of the Goddess of Wisdom, Cerridwen. As the Roman Legions sweep through her beloved land, she and the rest of her clan escape into a magical enclave and are waiting for a sign from their gods before they attack their enemy. They were only supposed to remain there for a short time to rebuild their defences, but their High Druid has other plans.

My hero, Maximus, is a Roman Centurion, a patrician and loyal to his Emperor and Rome. When he discovers Carys spying on his bathing ritual (a scene I quite enjoyed writing!!!) he’s instantly captivated. Who is this woman, and why hasn’t she been seen in any of the villages the Legion has vanquished?

Maximus has been charged by his Emperor to eliminate all Druids. And Carys has sworn to rid her land of the barbarous invaders. Yet despite everything that conspires against them they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

Well, just between you and me and the doorpost, I enjoyed READING that scene of him bathing! In the lair, we love call stories. Will you share yours with us?

I’d love to! I love call stories too. I’d been writing for nine years when, at the encouragement of my CPs, I wrote my very first erotic romance. It was very short, very dark – and it sold to a small press. I was so excited by this – OMG a real live editor loves my writing! – that I decided to write a full length erotic romance.

FORBIDDEN took me nine months to write, I queried twelve agents, and a day to the month later my agent offered representation (not that I’m obsessive or anything but she actually offered representation at 11.30 pm on a Friday night and I didn’t sleep at ALL that weekend!!) Three months later we had a two book deal from Berkley Heat.FORBIDDEN is set in Roman-occupied Britain. This is an unusual (while fascinating) setting, to say the least! Can you tell us a little about the rewards and challenges of writing in such a non-Romancelandia time period?

For me, the rewards of writing in this time period come from the mystery that surrounds the whole Druid culture. While I researched and used known fact as much as possible there are still huge gaps in our knowledge. So I improvised and wove a world where the goddess culture still predominated and women held equal status to men.

The biggest challenge was the setting and the time period. I knew that even before I started writing the book, but this book was one of those that I just couldn’t ignore. I had to tell Maximus and Carys’s story even though I knew it could be very difficult to place in the market. Thankfully I not only found an awesome agent who loves my world as much as I do, but also an amazing editor who believes in my Roman/Druid stories as well.FORBIDDEN is hotter than July in Florida (yeah, I went to the RWA conference and I cooked!). I’d love to know how you approached the love scenes and how you kept the sensual and dramatic tension so taut while your hero and heroine were so…uh, busy!

I look at the love scenes as emotionally charged action scenes, essential for the growth of my hero and heroine as well as ratcheting up the tension in the overall plot. Although they may be getting naked physically – getting down to the action! – it’s really about what’s happening to their emotions, their pre-conceived convictions and in the case of Maximus and Carys, the prejudices they’ve held their entire lives about each other’s culture and heritage. So I don’t really approach the love scenes in a different way than I approach any other scene in the book. I do tend to write in a sensual manner in any case and I find the sensuality naturally heightens and heats up when my hero and heroine get, um, busy!!!

Can you give us a glimpse into your working day?

After the school run, shopping and the usual boring chores (which I do my best to put off until the last possible moment) I go into the spare bedroom which is now my official office *happy sigh*. Checking emails is an obsession and I need to get that out of the way before I can even think of opening my current document. This is not always a good move since I often get caught up in riveting online conversations and before I know it, it’s lunch time (but don’t tell anyone!) I tend to give myself lots of short term deadlines, i.e. five pages a day, finish chapter xx by the weekend, and so long as I meet them I seem to muddle through OK!

Do you have any advice for unpublished writers?

Not advice as such. Every writer’s path is different. But one thing I’d like to share about my own journey is this – sometimes trying something completely different can be the turning point. Eleven years ago I started out by targeting Harlequin Mills and Boon Presents, was told by a lovely editor my voice fit the Romance line, but still couldn’t sell. I then tried chick lit and then paranormal romance. It wasn’t until I attempted the one sub-genre I always maintained I would *never* write (because it was far too hard!) – erotic romance – that everything fell into place. And of course you have to enjoy it – happily I discovered I absolutely *adore* writing about hot sexy warriors!!

Christina, it's been fascinating getting a glimpse at your debut book and your writing life. Thanks for swinging by today!

Thanks so much for having me in the Lair today, Anna! It’s been so much fun. I’d love to give away a signed copy of FORBIDDEN to one commenter. Which is your favourite unusual historical time and setting? What kind of smoky, sexy warrior is your secret fantasy – and who would you love to see play that warrior in a movie? (See what I did there – brought the conversation round to hot guys again!!!)Thanks a bunch!!!!!

112 comments:

I love the sounds of your debut! Does the second book pick up with Maximus and Carys, or with a new couple?

As for my favorite historical time/setting, I'm pretty easy--I get pulled into loving the one I'm currently reading. I do have a fondness for ancient Asia though--I haven't read as many set in early China, Japan, or any of those countries, and I think there's plenty of gorgeous stuff to be explored :)

Forbidden sounds like a fabulous story and I'm looking forward to reading it.

I don't really have a favorite historical time and setting. I've enjoyed books set in a lot of different time periods and all kinds of settings. As long as they have a good story and great characters, I'll enjoy them. I'd love to see Clive Owen play a medieval warrior, complete with leather armor and long sword.

Welcome Christina,Congrats on your debut release and the book deal with Berkley. I've always been fascinated with the culture, customs, architecture and political intrigue during Ancient Egypt. I just watch the first season of "Spartacus" and Andy Whitfield would be great in any historical role.

CAPTIVE begins when Morwyn decides to join up with the rebels fighting the Roman invaders. But instead she's captured by the enemy "whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction... and make it harder to kill him." (love that bit! It's part of the back cover copy :-) )

The hero, Bren, however, far from being an enemy is undercover in the Roman Legion for his Briton king. He also possesses a tortured soul and has gone through hell. I love him so much :-)

Anna, I've just finished the first book in a potential new series and am waiting to hear back from my agent on that. I've also a couple of outlines for new books in the Forbidden series, and have everything crossed they get the go-ahead!!!

Anna, it's very strange why I waited so long before I decided to write historical romance. You've just reminded me that when I was 14 I wrote a very passionate story set in Ancient Egypt! Can't remember what happened now, but knowing how much I loved unhappy endings back then I'm sure it couldn't have ended well!!!

Christina,It's lovely to see you in the lair and CONGRATULATIONS on your first book! I love the sound of it - must get my hands on a copy. And all this talk of hot men bathing...love it! Thanks for the lovely photos too. I'm really looking forward to reading both your books.

Aloha! As far are unusual heroes and settings, I would defer to Hawaii history. King Kamehameha the Great(1758 –1819) would be a riveting hero as he faced many challenges since birth to fulfill a prophecy that he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. He was fierce but loyal. Brutal but compassionate.

I would recommend Sean Kaawa to play King Kamehameha - he was fabulous as Duke Kahanamoku (the surfing legend) in a locally produced film, The Ride, http://www.thirdreefpictures.com/.

Christina,I've read the 'tasty fruits' you've used in your opening of "Forbidden". And...Well, I'll just have to acquire a copy if I'm to grab that carrot you've dangled. Nooooo! Maybe I should've reworded that. Not writing erotica here, but I won't fiddle - with words - any more.All the best with your first sale set in AD50.Robyn Aldridge

Christina, every time I see that gorgeous cover I want to start reading.You're getting excellent reviews for FORBIDDEN which must be very pleasing. This blog is the first time I've read about the storyline for CAPTIVE, it sounds equally--well I was going to say captivating but decided against it--exciting!

Great interview - loved the Q&A about writing your love scenes, Christina. Never thought of it in those terms before but like the idea that I will from now on! :-)

Hmm, ancient time periods - a couple of them have been mentioned already so I think I'll go with anything prehistoric - think CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR prehistoric, any continent. The landscapes must have been rugged, breath-taking and dangerous all rolled into one back then. True survivalist mentalities and strong people.

As for fantasy, sexy warrior type - any one that wields a weapon, preferably while half naked (not practical but you did say fantasy! :-D ) and who would I get to play the role??? Hmm, maybe Karl Urban (from LOTR fame) or maybe Eric Bana, Sam Worthington (he did look good as Perseus in Clash of the Titans) or how about Christian Bale?

I love reading about different time periods - my own favourite is too modern for most publishers. I love the period between the two world wars (and including the wars). One day, I'll write some romances in that time period - even if they never get published!

Christina, welcome to the lair!! And many congratulations on your success and of course on your debut. I love the premise of Forbidden and I'm looking forward to reading it. Hot Romans are a lair favourite, aren't they, Joanie?

Actually, I find it difficult to go past Clive Owen as a warrior. He's a manly man and there are all too few of those these days in movies, IMO!

I do love the sound of this book I have been reading lots about it, I have already added it to my must have list and I can't believe that I missed meeting you at Coogee what a great weekend that was.

I love historicals with different settings and a warrior that is strong handsome and protective and with a sense of humour will win me over anytime and I love Hugh Jackman and I can see him as a great worrior.

Congrats on the release Christina I do look forward to reading this one. Thanks Anna for inviting Christina today

Hi Christina and Anna! Thanks for a fascinating interview. Honestly I can't pick a favorite time or setting. It comes down, for me, to the connection between the characters. I am really looking forward to Forbidden! And I have a soft spot for Kevin McKidd ever since I watched him in the tv series Rome.

Thank you Anna!!! I agree, yummy visuals are the best way to start the day :-)

I love reading books set between the wars, although now I think of it they're probably classed more as British 'sagas' rather than straight romances. But hopefully publishers will see there's a market for that era!

Anna, I can remember that inter-war period being really popular when I was younger. Although thinking about it, most of the books might have been British rather than American. Fascinating time in history.

Hi Allison! I completely agree, the connection has to be strong and sizzling between the hero and heroine, whatever the time period. Kevin McKidd has been seen lurking :-) I'll lure him out later tonight!!!

Hi Minna! The 19th century was an amazing time of change! I love the Back to the Future trilogy - unfortunately the YouTube isn't loading in for me at the moment but I'll go back later and see what they're doing! Thanks for posting the link!

I like the Medieval/Camelot time period with castles, kings and queens, the knights of the Round Table, chivalry, honor and integrity, spiced up with treachery and betrayal. A primitive time with powerful men!

I could see... Russel Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Ewan MacGregor, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen... some of the other warriors from LOTR.

Oooo, fab blog, Christina and Anna - I lingered long over the pic... er article! I can see must take your research seriously, Christina, and have looked tirelessly to collect such an impressive display of Roman commanders!

WOOOHOOOOOOOO....huge Snoopy dances for you on your sale and release of these unusual books! So glad to see that when something is wonderful, no editor is going to say, "that time period doesn't sell." Because as a reader, I love a good story, no matter the time period.

I admit that I have not enjoyed the early 20th century stuff I've read. The exception is the bits and pieces of history Suz Brockmann weaves so cleverly into her SEALs series. She does a marvelous job and I love the way she makes it fit with her current story. The overlap is just wonderful.

I'm afraid I can't pick a favorite unusual time period. When it's done well, I always love it. So I'm no help with that question.

As to warriors....after Arthur, I don't much think you can beat Clive Owen. *drool*

Anna, thanks so much for bringing Christina and her wonderful books to us today!

Hi Christina. Anna told me about your book and I said it sounded just like the opera Norma. Anna said, well she doesn't actually end up killing her own children. And I had to agree that's usually a good thing in a romance novel. Anyway, it sounds terrific and I look forward to reading it.

I like any period when men get to wear leather mini skirts. Thank you for the photo from Troy! I'll take those guys.

Christina, this book sounds great. I remember seeing the cover somewhere recently and thinking it was very striking. Congrats on its release.

Anna, thanks for all the purty pictures. :)

Two of my favorite time periods are ones that have actually been popular in the past but have fallen a bit out of fashion -- Colonial and Western American-set stories. I also think it'd be interesting to read more set in Russia and China. I have a few titles on my TBR list in those settings and looking forward to reading them. I love finding books that are set in unusual settings and time periods.

Okay, those pictures were waaaaaaayyyyy too distracting. LOL! What were we talking about again?

Oh, Congrats on the debut, Christine. This sounds like the stories I used to read and almost can't find at all anymore. The time period you really can't find anymore (and I'm sure someone will tell me if there's something I've missed) is the early American settings. Either around the revolution or really before and after the civil war.

I grew up on these and the great frontier stories of Dorothy Garlock and Nan Ryan. I long for some of those hot steamboat gamblers to come back.

Trish, I ran a workshop on the weekend for aspiring writers and it was interesting to see their puzzlement when I told them the Americans aren't crazy about books about their own history! I have great fondness for a lot of older stories with American settings! But you rarely see that now.

The further back the more I seem to like it. Jean Auel's Earth's Children series is my all time favorite. I also enjoy warriors with swords lol. Christopher Lambert in Highlander is one of my favorite movies.

This book sounds fabulous! Especially the idea of historical erotica- yum!

I think all settings are wonderful if the story is properly told. I'd like to see more set in Eygpt or the Carribean or ...heck even America. Anyplace other than a Western would be considered an unusual location these days.

Thanks, Cassondra! I'm sittinghere tearing out my hair, tryingto find something I have read that fits into the "conversation."Never once thinking that my faves,Susanne's Seals, are a perfect fit!Then I read your comment & of course! That was my "duh" moment for the day. As to hot warriors, for me it's the "same ole": David Boreanaz, Adrian Paul, Sir Clive, & Aussie Hugh! Of course, if I hada magic wand it would be RichardBurton and Robert Goulet!! ( Bestill, my heart!)

Cassondra, thank you for the welcome and congrats! I'm so happy Berkley were willing to look at more unusual time periods, and I hope readers fall in love with the Forbidden world. As for Clive as Arthur *fans self* seriously, he was the only reason I watched the movie!!!

Hi Trish! Thank you so much! The cover is amazing, not only did the artist capture Maximus and Carys exactly how I'd envisioned them, but I also think the misty forest background gives a hint of the mystical elements of the story.

I agree, it would be fantastic to have more historical romances set in Russia and China!

Hi Donna, thank you! I really enjoyed melding the erotic elements into the ancient world. And I'd love to see more set in Egypt and the Carribean - there's so much rich history and intriguing myths to explore in all cultures.

Hi Pat! Oh I would love a magic wand too. Richard Burton and his incomparable voice!! Sends shivers along my spine just thinking about it!! But I'm also very partial to Hugh Jackman (and some guy called Clive!!!)

Christina,just wanted to stop by and give you another CONGRATS!!!I sooo can't wait to read this book =)A kilt, a sword, a horse between a hero's muscled thighs... need I say more?? (Aside from the heroine between the hero's thighs LOL)

I think I spent way too much time staring at those men in the photos...

Let me wipe the drool off my keyboard...

Congrats on your new release!

I like Roman-occupied Britain myself (watched too many shows on NatGeo, Discovery and the like). But I must say that I'm also partial to Hawaiian history. Kamehameha I would be a great hero to concentrate on (even the bit about his less than illustrious birth because his parents were only cousins instead of siblings). Plus, Captain Cook would show up, too.

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September Releases

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Donna MacMeans, Trish Milburn, and Nancy Northcott will all be in Atlanta for the Moonlight and Magnolias conference in Decatur, Georgia September 30 through October 2nd. If you're in the area, stop by for the booksigning. We'd love to see you.

Redeeming the Rogue by Donna MacMeans received a 4.5 star TOP PICK! review from Romantic Times Magazine.

Living in Color by Trish Milburn is now available on Kindle, Smashwords and at barnesandnoble.com for the Nook.